Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann is balancing long-term planning with the immediate need for points as his side sits 24th in League One. Rovers have taken just three points from their opening six matches and travel to face Peterborough United this weekend.
McCann, who both played for and managed Peterborough on two separate occasions, is focusing on youth development as a cornerstone of the club's future. The recent call-ups of Leon Ayinde and Sean Grehan to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad underline that strategy. "We feel like they have got a massive part to play in this football club for years to come," McCann said.
Injury updates ahead of Peterborough
The manager provided updates on several key players ahead of the trip to London Road. Defender Matty Pearson is facing a lengthy absence of ten to 12 weeks with a hamstring tear, while midfielder Harry Clifton has had a double hernia operation but is not expected to be sidelined beyond this weekend. Full-back Tom Nixon is back in training, but fellow defender Jamie Sterry is unlikely to be risked in the upcoming matches.
Despite the winless run, which includes last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon, McCann sees positive signs in his team's performances. "I feel like we're playing some good football, we're creating a lot of opportunities," he stated. The problem has been converting those chances, a trend evident in recent games like the 2-2 draw at Stevenage and the 1-1 home result against Notts County.
The immediate challenge is clear. Doncaster's next fixture is against a Peterborough side that sits 21st, just three points above them. A positive result is essential to begin moving up the standings. McCann's task is to translate promising play into the victories required to lift Rovers off the foot of the table. The full schedule of upcoming games is available on our fixtures page.
The original report is at Yorkshire Post
